Asian-American theatre could apply to all American theatre artist of Asian Ancestry, but it applies more to the contemporary movement of ethnic-identified theatre that provided exposure to scores of Asian-American actors, directors, and playwrights. Asian artists have been performing for years but they have been "marginalized" from theatre and slowing down the development of Asian-American plays. Many Westerners were baffled by the exotic displays that were imported from China. These included traditional operas, puppet shows, and acrobatic displays. For these displays to take place, many Chinese laborers that migrated to California mined gold, built the railroad, and started Chinatowns. Tung Hook Tung was the first opera company to tour nationally. Other Chinese performers played in San Francisco and some were, eventually, toured in variety.
The depressed economy during the 1870s caused a growth in Anti-Chinese sentiment. During this time, the Asian Exclusion Act was passed by Congress. Chinese from California were drove out by "related racial violence" after this act was passed.
Interest for the traditional performance slowly diminished to a point where Chinatown theatres had become Chinese-language cinemas. By this time, a large population of Japanese people had settled in the U.S, but only a few Asian Americans appeared in Western style live entertainment. Periodically, Asian themed shows were produced, but most of the Asiatic actors were playing stock characters while Caucasians played "oriental" leads. As the years go by, the amount of Asian-American playing in films continue to grow. They actively particulate in all areas of popular culture in order to not be considered the "silent, invisible" minority.
The depressed economy during the 1870s caused a growth in Anti-Chinese sentiment. During this time, the Asian Exclusion Act was passed by Congress. Chinese from California were drove out by "related racial violence" after this act was passed.
Interest for the traditional performance slowly diminished to a point where Chinatown theatres had become Chinese-language cinemas. By this time, a large population of Japanese people had settled in the U.S, but only a few Asian Americans appeared in Western style live entertainment. Periodically, Asian themed shows were produced, but most of the Asiatic actors were playing stock characters while Caucasians played "oriental" leads. As the years go by, the amount of Asian-American playing in films continue to grow. They actively particulate in all areas of popular culture in order to not be considered the "silent, invisible" minority.